Luton skipper Tom Lockyer was taken to hospital after being unconscious in the opening stages of their triumphant victory over Coventry City at a packed Wembley.
Tom Lockyer was sprinting with his back towards his own penalty area, when he fell down and reportedly collapsed.
The medics instantly came to his aid and the Welsh International got back to a conscious state as he exited the field on a stretcher.
Tom Lockyer wore an oxygen mask needed for safety precautions as he left the pitch.
He was stretched off to Wembley’s medical room, where his parents came to keep him company.
The 28-year-old was afterwards driven to a specialist hospital in North London for further tests.
Luton tweeted: “We are able to report that after collapsing on the pitch, Tom Lockyer has been taken to hospital for further tests.
“He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him. We are all with you, Locks.”
Tom Lockyer netted the decisive goal for Luton in their semi-final triumph over Sunderland earlier in May.
The former Bristol Rovers defender was also named Luton’s player of the season for his remarkable performances throughout the campaign.
He also had the chance to bask in his Luton’s win despite his unavailability on the pitch.
The Welshman was seen via pictures celebrating the Hatters promotion to the English top-flight from the hospital.
Tom Lockyer’s father, Steve, posted a welcome update on Twitter and shared pictures of his son basking in the promotion win.
He posted: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok, Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team mates. Here is the moment.”
Luton climaxed their constant progress through the tiers of English football after gaining promotion to the Premier League following their victory in the play-off final.
During the trophy parade, Tom Lockyer’s teammates hoisted his shirt into the air and they appreciated their captain in their post-match interviews for his contributions during the season.
The Hatters historic rise was finalized after their enthralling penalty shoot-out win over Coventry city.
Coventry City booked their place in the final after defeating Middlesbrough 0 – 1 on aggregate in the semi final of the promotion Play-offs.
Jordan Clark scored the opener for Luton Town 7 minutes before half of the hour mark.
However, it seem Coventry City had the force with them in the second 45 as in the 66th minute Gustavo Hammer netted the equalizer for his side.
That resulted in the encounter progressing into extra-time and “fortunately” penalties before Fankaty Dabo missed his own penalty and handed Luton promotion to the English top-flight.
In a post match presser, Rob Edwards, the manager of Luton had tears in his eyes and acknowledged that in spite of Luton’s promotion to the top tier of English football, his focus was on Tom Lockyer’s health.
Rob Edwards told Sky Sports how instrumental Lockyer has been this season for Luton, he said: “I’ve got to be honest the only thing I’m thinking about right now is Tom Lockyer.
“He’s been immense for us this season and health is the most important thing, family’s the most important thing, more important than football, more important than this.
“All of those things that you were just talking about are great but I don’t care right now. A few of the guys have spoken to him.
“That’s where my head’s at at the moment. It felt a little bit wrong to celebrate at the time, I just felt emotional.”
Luton Town went from non-league football to the English Premier League in just nine years.
In 2014, they were promoted to the League 2 and four years later in 2018, they gained promotion to the Ligue 1.
Following an impressive display in the Ligue 1, Luton Town secured promotion to the Championship in 2019 and finally the big dream became possible as they gained promotion to the Premier League.
Additionally, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu who joined Luton Town in 2013 became the first player to play for the same team from the National League to the Premier League.
It has also been reported that Luton would need about $10 million to get their stadium to Premier League standard.
Match Highlights of the Coventry City V Luton Town encounter Below:
